Monday, November 24, 2008

COCC Community Learning Instructor Helps Her Students Outperform Others Across State

Donna Hines and the amazing tax preparation classIn the fall of 2007, instructor Donna Hines met the challenge of teaching the 80-hour basic course required for those who wish to take the Oregon Tax Board Tax Preparer’s exam. 91% of the 11 COCC students who took the state exam passed it. This exceeds the statewide average pass rate of 57% for public and private providers. Teaching state and federal tax code in 80-hours so students can both pass the state exam and be well-prepared for jobs in tax season is no small task! Her current fall 2008 students are busy preparing to take the state exam in early December. Judging from last years’ test results, we expect that they will also do well on the test.

Donna is currently licensed in Oregon as a Tax Preparer and Tax Consultant and earned her Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from Linfield College. She owns Bookkeeping Solutions & Tax Services in Bend.

Thanks, Donna. We appreciate your hard work in the classroom.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Handling a Medical Emergency in Your Classroom

Important phone numbers:
Campus security: 480-2418 (when on campus)
Emergency: 911.

If using a campus phone: 9-911

We all hope that we will never be faced with a medical emergency while teaching a class. Our experience has been that we see emergencies very rarely. However, we also know that they do happen and it is important to have a plan in mind before a medical emergency occurs.

In the case of a medical emergency in your class, the most important factor is for you to respond promptly and appropriately to the student in need. You are also in charge of keeping control of the class. This can be a lot to manage. Enlist a responsible person or two to help you with managing the situation (this could include removing the rest of the students from the classroom), making emergency phone calls, etc.

Call 911 if there is any sign of “diminished capacity”. When in doubt call 911, the safe response is to call! If the person refuses treatment, they need to refuse directly to emergency personnel. Also call COCC Campus Security immediately to inform them of the situation. Always contact your COCC Program Manager by the following day.

The Campus Security phone number is posted outside most classrooms on the bulletin board, but please keep this number with your class roster at all times. Also ask if there is anyone with medical or first aid/CPR training who can assist with the situation. (See number at the top of this sheet)

In the event of a medical emergency, after calling 911, you should immediately ask the rest of the students to leave the classroom. Ask them to wait away from any entrance emergency services may need to use and to watch for emergency assistance.
By emptying the classroom, it is easier for you to assess what needs to be done without a group of students possibly distracting you. It is also considerate to the student in distress to not have an audience.

After emergency help arrives, you can speak to the class about cancelling the rest of class session, possibly rescheduling or resuming class, and not discuss with the class any of the medical situation. Please remember to contact your COCC Program Manager the following day.